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Great Smoky Mountains National Park attracts outdoor sports and recreation enthusiasts year-round because of the extensive hiking, biking, mountain climbing and water sports opportunities available both in and near the park. Public and private RV parks and campgrounds offer visitors an affordable and flexible lodging option when exploring the Great Smoky Mountains.

Public RV Camping

By far, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most popular public campground in the area that allows RV camping. You can choose from primitive or developed sites. However, you should note that even developed sites have only cold water and no electric or sewer hookups, meaning that if you're a fussier camper or you have young children you might be happier at a privately owned facility. The majority of campgrounds at Great Smoky Mountains National Park operate on a first come, first served basis, so you'll want to arrive early in the morning to improve your chances of obtaining a campsite, particularly in summer and on holiday weekends. All developed sites come with a picnic table and fire ring.

Private Campgrounds With RV Camping

Many area campgrounds offer both tent and RV camping. These campgrounds tend to be a bit more family-friendly than RV-only options. At Deep Creek Tube Center and Campground you'll find full hookup sites, a camp store, Wi-Fi access, a playground, a volleyball court, pavilion, petting zoo and laundry facilities. At the Cherokee/Great Smoky KOA, you'll be able to enjoy guest amenities such as full hookups with a snack bar; swimming pool hot tub mini golf planned activities and bike rentals; Wi-Fi access will cost you an additional fee.

Private RV Parks

At private RV Parks, you'll be able to take advantage of weekly, monthly and seasonal rates and modern restroom and shower facilities. All individual sites have full electric and water hookups, a picnic table, fire ring and BBQ grill. River Plantation RV Park offers guests amenities such as two swimming pools, a hot tub, a children's playground, sports courts and fields, golf cart rentals and free Wi-Fi. At Foothills RV Park & Cabins you'll find amenities such as free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and a swimming pool.

Camping Considerations

You should make your RV camping reservations at least a few months in advance if you'll be visiting between May and October, especially on Memorial Day, Fourth of July or Labor Day weekend. If you're a hiker or biker you will want to pack bug repellent and wear sturdy hiking shoes, a long-sleeve shirt and long pants, even in the summer months, to avoid poison ivy, poison oak, snakebites and Lyme disease. If you plan to participate in water sports, slather on sunscreen during the summer. Remember to dress in layers and bring plenty of blankets if you plan to camp in early spring or the later fall.

Activities and Attractions

If you want to participate in outdoor recreation and sports you'll have plenty of activities and attractions to choose from. For water sports, head to Lake Douglas or the Little Pigeon River. If you enjoy fishing, you can fish for walleye, catfish and bass at most creeks, lakes and rivers. There are over 800 miles of hiking, mountain biking and nature trails at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, ranging in difficulty from short and easy to long and strenuous.

About the Author

Jisel Perilla works as a writer mental health counselor in the Washington, D.C area. She has written and contributed to several Frommer's Travel Guides, as well for a variety of culture, health and entertainment publications. She majored in English and minored in Spanish at the University of Mary Washington in Frederickburg, Va., and has traveled extensively throughout Europe, Latin America, Asia and Africa.

Leaf Group is a USA TODAY content partner providing general travel information. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.

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